2010 Kawasaki KX450F Comparison Photos

The header pipe is an inch and a half shorter than the titanium piece it replaces.

If you’re a skilled rider and know how to rip around the moto track at max speed, there’s no better bike than the 2010 Kawasaki KX450F.

The KX450F’s engine cranks out so much power that it’s easy to overwhelm the rear Bridgestone tire.

In our third gear roll-on test, the Kawasaki aced the competition with a time of 8.21 seconds despite carrying the lowest 45.91 mph trap speed.

The Kawasaki wages war on every berm.

Once again, there is no shortage of engine power with the 2010 Kawasaki KX450F.

At speed the Kawi’s chassis offers an exceptional level of stability. Whether blasting through the whoops or hauling around Racetown’s fast pot-holed sweepers, there are few obstacles that can upset the Kawasaki’s dependable chassis.

Despite being the heaviest motorcycle in this test (with weight of fuel), the KX450F can still be tossed around in the air.

If you’re a larger, heavier rider, or really know how to put a motocross bike through its paces then the 2010 Kawasaki KX450F is the best 450 machine.

Inside the engine there is a new piston, cylinder, crank and camshaft.

Armstrong rated the KX450F’s ergonomics package the best.

Both radiators are 10mm thicker and 7.6mm wider and feature a less dense fin layout which will help them from getting damaged from flying dirt.

Our test rider felt that the updated shock linkage was one of the key improvements to the 2010 Kawasaki KX450F.

The main frame’s steering head has been made less stiff in order to provide better rigidity balance.

After smoking the competition in last year’s 450 Motocross comparison we knew it was going to be tough to dethrone the returning champ.

Like with the 2009 model, the crown jewel of the new KX is the engine. From the moment you twist the throttle there’s nothing to hide its immediate and forceful power delivery.

The stiffer suspension spring rates clearly favor heavier, faster riders and permit the Kawasaki to ride much higher in the suspension stroke - a trait that many riders prefer.

Although it doesn’t steer as quickly as the CRF, the KX450F will surprise you with its low-speed agility.

Kawasaki continued its dominance once we strapped the bikes on the dyno at Mickey Cohen Motorsports.

KTM showed the most peak torque on the Mickey Cohen Motorsports dyno and it coninues to make the most as revs climb.

2010 450 Motocross Sound Test.

2010 450 Motocross weight comparison.

2010 450 Motocross top speed test.

2010 450 Motocross holeshot test.

2010 450 Motocross 3rd gear roll-on test.

Honda was quickest to the first turn with Yamaha, KTM and Kawasaki in tow.

Kawasaki used its monster motor to stomp the timed third-gear roll-on.

Yamaha had the slowest top speed at the end of the start straight, but it gets up to speed quicker than most.

All of the 2010 450 motocross bikes are close in weight, but the Honda CRF450R continues to shine as the lightest of the bunch.

Sound emissions are one of the most important ongoing issues for dirt bikes. KTM has a significant advantage with its quiet 450 SX-F.